Afghanistan's economy has recovered greatly since the fall of the Taleban in 2001, but the country still remains one of the world's poorest, according to the World Bank.

The nation will probably need about 10 years of continued high levels of foreign aid to raise living standards from such low levels.

Trade with key economic partners in the region - Pakistan, China and the Islamic Iran - has grown, exceeding $2.5bn in 2006.

Neighbouring countries have also helped rebuild Afghanistan's infrastructure - from roads to schools.

Opium production is still a major concern. In 2007, Afghanistan produced 8,200 tons, 34% more than in 2006.

But in the centre-north, despite poverty, 13 provinces are now "opium-free" compared with six in 2006.